Crater helps scientists imagine a Mars mission

Computer expert William J. Clancey tags along when NASA researchers visit a crater 500 miles from the North Pole to explore its Mars-like environment. “The scientists are studying the crater, the geology and biology of this land, and I’m studying the scientists,” Clancey says. He wants to see how they go about their business to develop ways that computers and other devices can be used to help astronauts explore Mars. “We want to understand exploration,” Clancey said during a recent visit to West Florida. “How do people explore?”